Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Education

The education system offers qualified candidates employment opportunities based upon improving schools and enriching the lives of students. Employment within education positions are far ranging and encompass workers of all backgrounds and experience levels. As with most occupations, individuals employed within education fields often have earnings reflective of the degrees they obtain, experiences they gain, and the specialized knowledge they apply. Here are the 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Education

1. Superintendents

Superintendents are the Chief Executive Officers of schools. As managers of all aspects of a school district, superintendents are responsible for improving the quality of education by developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing educators and school staff, devising and maintaining budgets, and offering resolution to education related issues regarding complaints, schedule issues, behavior issues related to students and staff, salary issues, budgetary issues, and other problems. Superintendents also plan and assist with projects, renovations, and other changes. Many superintendents must complete a doctoral degree combined with experience as school administrators or educators to qualify for employment though some may gain employment with a master’s degree and advance. Many also must complete specialized training or certification programs, as well as continuing education, to remain current and maintain employment. Earnings for superintendents range from $133,606 to $193,983.

2. School Principals

School Principals are highly trained educational administrators who manage and oversee the daily operations of preschool, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. School principals assist in the development, administration and execution of educational policies and procedures while ensuring a standard of educational success. School principals also hire staff and educators, develop academic curricula, train staff, and monitor student progress. They also work closely with students, staff, parents, and communities handling relations and maintaining communication. School principals must complete a minimum of a master’s degree within education administration or education leadership to qualify for employment though some may complete bachelor degree programs in education or school counseling and advance upon earning experience. School principals earn salaries ranging from $86,970 to $129,480 annually.

3. Chief Academic Officers

Chief Academic Officers (also called Directors of Education) are highly skilled professionals who plan, direct, and coordinate educational programs within secondary schools. Chief Academic Officers research, develop and monitor the progress and efficiency of academic courses and instruction within colleges or universities. They also respond to complaints, resolve differences with faculty or academic departments, and develop means of extend and enrich course offerings. Chief Academic Officers are required to complete a master’s degree combined with experience or a doctoral degree in educational leadership to be considered for employment. Earnings generally range from $92,622 to $158,000 annually for Chief Academic Officers.

4. Academic Deans or Postsecondary Education Administrators

Academic deans work within admissions, financial aid, or registrar’s offices at colleges, universities, and secondary schools. Academic deans perform a wide range of managerial responsibilities. Many academic deans specialize within different aspects of student life, like housing, residential life, multicultural affairs, financial aid, admissions, and other student activities. They also conduct research, prepare promotional information, analyze applicant’s potential as prospective students, meet with and advise students, organize student and class data, develop and instill academic policies, manage budgets, assist in appointing faculty, assist students with securing tuition funds, create and maintain databases for students and courses, and develop means of resolving housing, personal, or academic problems. Academic deans are required to complete a minimum of a master’s or doctoral degree in higher education with courses based in educational leadership, school finance, higher education administration, educational law, and student affairs. Most colleges also prefer candidates with experience as a professor or educational administrator. Earnings for academic deans vary tremendously and are based upon their field of specialization. Most academic deans earn $47,130 to $83,710 annually.

5. Assistant Principal

Assistant Principals are important members of an educational system’s administrative team. Assistant Principals offer administrative and supervisory skills to teachers, staff, and students through the careful observation, development, and monitoring of performance, instruction, and programs. Assistant Principals also devise and direct programs based in professional development, improving teaching skills, and the coordination of resources to improve performance and enrich the learning environment. They help manage budgetary and financial issues and act as disciplinarians for students or staff. Assistant Principals measure and assess test scores to meet local, state, and federal standards as well as meet with parents and educators to report student behavior and progress. Most Assistant Principals are also required to be certain school grounds and facilities offer maintain safe conditions for students and faculty. Assistant Principals often begin as educators with master’s degrees and gradually gain the experience necessary to advance to administrative positions. Earnings for Assistant Principals range from $66,697 to $89,406 annually.

6. Instructional Coordinators

Instructional Coordinators conduct intensive research regarding methods of instruction, develop and implement curriculum, and devise instruction plans within educational organizations. As upper level education professionals, they also offer training to educators, select textbooks and other instructional materials, assess the efficiency of educational programs, measure student performance, and develop ways of improving the quality of education. Many also implement new classroom technologies. Training to gain employment as an Instructional Coordinator requires completion of a master’s of education degree within instructional design as well as specialized studies within one academic field or subject. Instructional Coordinators often earn salaries of $42,070 to $75,000 annually.

7. Librarians

Librarians are vital workers within the education system. As managers of information and library resources, librarians create library programs and systems while overseeing and supervising staff. They also develop, organize, and maintain materials and other resources to assure ease of access and retrieval of materials for students, staff, and faculty. Librarians also select new technology, materials, videos, and books for libraries based upon reviews, curricula, and patron needs. They also assist and educate students and staff regarding using cataloged resources and materials. Librarians also develop lesson plans and gather materials used within classrooms. Most librarians are required to complete a master’s degree in library science as well as certification in education or a teaching license dependent upon State requirements. Librarians generally earn salaries of $42,240 to $65,300 yearly.

8. Secondary School Teachers and College Professors

Secondary School Teachers and College Professors plan and deliver specialized instruction based in the humanities, sciences, information technology, history, or engineering disciplines within degree or certificate programs at a college and university level. They also conduct original research and other experiments to gain an expanded understanding and advanced knowledge of the field of instruction. Many also analyze documents, offer critical reviews, and publish the findings of their research. They also advise students, supervise graduate students, and assess student progress by grading coursework. Many Secondary School Teachers and Professors offer administrative input regarding recruiting and hiring new faculty, promoting current faculty, and recommending policy changes and reviews. Most also supervise teaching assistants and serve on committees to ensure instruction is accurate and current. Secondary School Teachers and Professors must complete master’s degrees to qualify as instructors within two year community colleges. Those with doctoral degrees generally work within larger four year institutions. Salaries for Secondary School Teachers and professors are range from $41,600 to $83,960 annually. Factors like field of instruction, institution of employment, and geographic location greatly impact earnings.

9. Special Education Teachers

Special Education Teachers provide instruction to infants, children, and teens with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Special Education Teachers offer their students means of maximizing independence, expanding knowledge, improving skills, and augmenting abilities with specialized curricula and programs. Special Education Teachers assess and adapt Individualized Education Programs or specifically developed lesson plans assuring instruction meets each students’ skills and abilities. They also create transition plans for students as advance to different schools or complete studies and graduate. Special Education Teachers also work closely with parents, other teachers and staff, counselors, and administrators to report and discuss student progress. They also offer means of adapting lesson plans with general education educators to assist special education students within their other classes. Most Special Education Teachers are required to possess a minimum of a bachelor degree, special education certification, and experience to qualify for employment. Many Special Education Teachers who hold master’s degrees in special education are preferred over candidates with less education. Salaries for Special Education Teachers generally range from $40,480 to $63,500 annually.

10. School Counselors

School Counselors work within elementary, middle, and high schools offering their services to students, staff, teachers, and administrators. School Counselors offer individuals or groups access to personal, educational, or vocational counseling, mental health education, and other means of improving success. They also identify abuse, refer students to external resources, and offer college or career planning. School Counselors also assess student ability or interest by conducting interviews and working closely with teachers to determine and identify behavior or developmental issues, disorders, and problems. They also work closely with teachers and administrators to create and instill plans to assist student’s academic, social, and emotional success. Many School Counselors coordinate financial aid and application information between students and prospective colleges, training programs, and prospective career options. Training to become a School Counselor involves a master’s of education in school counseling as well as licensure. Salaries for School Counselors range from $38,740 to $65,360 annually.